Let's talk nature-based water resilience

I'm Mei, a chartered engineer with extensive experience in water and wastewater engineering projects in the UK and internationally. I'm the Water Sector Lead and Project Director in AtkinsRéalis' Design & Advanced Technology (D&AT) practice, where my focus is not just on driving project success but also on shaping the future of water engineering design and management through innovative and sustainable practices.

Navigating climate change and water management

Today, the water sector faces pressing challenges, intensified by climate change, environmental pollution, and growing consumption. Addressing these challenges requires more than traditional engineering solutions—it demands a forward-thinking approach integrating digital technology and innovation with practical, customer-focused solutions.

In the UK, our primary challenges include aging Victorian-era infrastructure, shifting public perceptions, and an imperative to demonstrate clear value for our clients and their customers. These issues are deepened by our sector's cyclical nature of investment, with significant pressures mounting as we approach AMP8 in 2025. These AMP cycles dictate the pace and scale of infrastructure development and impact how we implement long-term, sustainable changes. As we take on new projects and plan for the future, our strategies must address not only our systems' physical limitations but also what's best for our planet and its people.

Emerging approaches to water engineering

Across the world, AtkinsRéalis is pioneering innovative ways to tackle our complex water challenges. We're moving away from traditional end-of-pipe treatments and embracing holistic solutions like catchment interventions and nature-based solutions to meet our clients' needs. These approaches not only mitigate environmental impact but also promote social value to enhance community engagement and support by making the benefits of our work visible and tangible.

In D&AT we're in the digital future of water engineering and design management. Integrating digital tools like BIM, 3D-modelling and Analytics Carbon has significantly advanced our delivery capability for our clients such as Havant Thicket Reservoir, Beckton AMP7 Upgrade, Sizewell C, Heathrow Airport and international water projects. My colleague Nick also was deeply involved in the Bridgewater Tidal Barrier project, and our award-winning tool has revolutionized how we assess and manage carbon output. By embedding carbon management into our design processes, we have enhanced our ability to make informed, sustainable choices early in the project lifecycle, improving overall outcomes and fostering a culture of carbon literacy and proactive environmental stewardship among our teams. Furthermore, integrated digital tools like Safetibase (H&S) embedded in the design process help capture and manage safety information throughout each project's lifecycle, significantly improving safety outcomes by enabling proactive design risk assessment.

Preserving water through global cooperation

Our success in implementing these innovative solutions is largely due to our collaborative approach and global reach. At AtkinsRéalis, we leverage a wealth of multinational expertise and local knowledge, allowing us to draw on a diverse pool of industry leading skills and experiences. This interdisciplinary collaboration spans various sectors within our organization, allowing us to address water engineering and design challenges as technical issues and complex socio-economic opportunities that need cooperative and diverse strategies. Our blend of global insights and local execution skills ensures that we deliver innovative solutions that are right for our clients and the communities we serve.

25 fulfilling years as a water engineer

Reflecting on my journey with AtkinsRéalis, which spans 25 rewarding years, including a return after a brief time away. I have enjoyed delivering a wide range of water and wastewater projects at all stages of design from feasibility to detailed design; right through the construction of water infrastructure and treatment plants, in the UK and globally . I can confidently say that our distinctly unified, multidisciplinary team of technical experts sets us apart more than anything else. Our "one team" ethos is a lived experience that weaves through every project and touchpoint in our organization. Unlike many competitors who segment their operations, AtkinsRéalis maintains a holistic (cross sector and cross practice) approach, ensuring that we're not just contracting out to specialists but are cultivating them within our ranks.

What brought me back to AtkinsRéalis?

It was more than just the brilliant opportunities. It was the realization that the scope of work and the impact we make here are unmatched. Our global reach and the depth of resources available allow us to tackle complex water management challenges unlike anyone else. Every project here adds a layer to my professional legacy and personal satisfaction - I've not only contributed to transformative projects worldwide but have grown within a culture that champions innovation, diversity, and collaboration. I enjoy working at AtkinsRéalis as there are no boundaries to opportunities outside of a traditional job scope – I get involved in bridging with the Water Market and 'Win Work' teams, STEM outreach programs and D&AT team socials.

Looking forward to strategic sustainability

As we look to the future, our focus on projects like the Strategic Reservoir Options (SRO) and Storm Overflows is more relevant than ever. These projects are crucial for tackling long-term challenges like drought and water shortages and environmental pollution. They are vital in our mission to ensure sustainable water resources for generations to come.

The monumental scale and impact of what we do

People outside or new to this field often view water infrastructure projects as a background utility -essential but not particularly "sexy" projects. However, the reality is breathtakingly different. Water is a massive, critical domain that bridges civil engineering, environmental science, community planning, and so much more. Every day, we tackle projects that range from vast infrastructure developments like strategic reservoirs, which secure water supplies for entire regions, to advanced pollution control systems that protect ecosystems and public health.

Water: the most exhilarating challenge

The complexity and importance of ensuring sustainable water resources and environmental pollution provide a vibrant and exhilarating challenge. It's not just about treatment, pipes and pumps. It's really about securing a sustainable future. This broad and impactful scope makes working in water engineering an exciting, rewarding career that many might not initially appreciate. Projects such as the first-of-its-kind Havant Thicket Reservoir exemplify our commitment to developing infrastructure that meets immediate needs and secures water resources for future generations. These projects have immense scale and potential to fundamentally reshape how we manage our most precious resource.

We will engineer better together

My commitment to this field is driven by a vision to address today's challenges and innovate for tomorrow's sustainability. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in water engineering and design management, I invite you, whether you're a stakeholder, seasoned expert, or aspiring young professional, to join us in this endeavor. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, innovating, collaborating, and inspiring as we build the future of water infrastructure.

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